Lens with Rebecca: 7 elements of photography

Choosing 3 elements from the 7 elements of photography, Monika took these photos of me. I chose the elements diffused light, reflected light and composition. Lighting is going to be a big feature in my photographs so I need to experiment with different types of lighting and determine how I can achieve strong shadows to create an eerie effect.

 First of all I used a diffuser underneath fluorescent lights to create soft lighting. This gave a dim, dark effect however it did not produce the shadow effect I am looking for.

 Next I used a silver reflector in bright sunlight to try to create the shadow effect. In this picture it is nearly working, however a correct exposure was used.

 Under exposing with the use of the reflector was more successful as the shadows appear darker. Also, the composition of my face (tilted head, hair in front of my face) helps to emphasise the shadows and creates an eerie, creepy feeling.

 Again, under exposing proved to be successful.

 This is an example of dark shadows (from the movie The Exorcism of Emily Rose); under the eyes, in the creases on the face, wrinkles etc. This is created with a main lighting source in dark lighting conditions, therefore instead of using a reflector in sunlight I could take my photos in a dark room with one main light and a silver reflector pointed at one side of the face.

 I then experimented with composition. I had Monika sit in front of a mirror, quite close. I then stood in the background. In my final photos I want to have at least one close up and at least one full body picture.

 I then decreased the distance between myself and Monika.

 In the next 2 pictures I experimented with height in composition by standing on a chair and still having Monika sitting.

Experimenting with composition has shown me that I would like to position myself towards the back of the frame but towards one side, taking into consideration rule of thirds, in my full body photo.

This is an example (again from The Exorcism of Emily Rose) of the type of composition I want for my full body photo.

This image is a very good example of rule of thirds therefore this element will play a big part in my photo.